The Minister for Education and Lifelong Learning has announced major plans to increase investment in early years to almost £7 million.
Included in these plans is a proposal to invest almost £4million in childcare support for 2-3-year-olds, creating an opportunity for families to save up to £6k a year in childcare costs.
These initiatives deliver on commitments in the Common Strategic Policy 2024 – 2026, ensuring increased and equitable support for young children and supporting parents directly with the costs of childcare.
If approved, the offer of up to 15 hours of funded childcare per week during term time, will be available to families from 2026 through participating nurseries and childminders and responds to significant concerns raised by parents about the affordability of childcare.
Education and Lifelong Learning Minister, Deputy Rob Ward, said: “This funding, if approved by the States Assembly in the Budget debate, marks a major step forward in our commitment to supporting young children and their families. By investing in both affordability and quality, we are enabling increased and equitable access to early years education and ensuring every child has the best start.”
“I am aware of potential capacity constraints in the sector but expect this investment to immediately benefit a significant majority of parents already using childcare. With the increased stability of Government funding, I hope the sector will be able to respond to any changes in demand.”
This new universal offer is part of a wider package of investment in early childhood development, which includes:
- £4m in universal support for 2-3 childcare
- £1.5m in targeted support for children with additional needs
- £0.7m for Speech and Language Therapy following a successful pilot co-delivered with Every Child Our Future
- £0.6m to continue successful pilot programmes in schools
